wellness
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
I first learned of the HALT acronym when I joined Alcoholics Anonymous many years ago. In hindsight, had I applied its simple, yet powerful technique, I might have avoided several slips along the path to my sobriety. I also realize now that the HALT concept is an integral part of loving ourselves, and it thus assists us more on our spiritual path to greater serenity.
HALT is an acronym for:
H – Never get too Hungry
A – Never get too Angry
L – Never get too Lonely
T – Never get too Tired
During one of my heavy drinking episodes, many years ago, I was working a job which required me to be away from home constantly. I was working extensive and erratic hours with a team of co-workers who were all heavy drinkers.
At this time I was subject to everything in the HALT scenario. I was often hungry, because we were pretty much on call to travel anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice. I never knew when I would next be able to eat. In hindsight, I guess I could have been better prepared with personal emergency provisions, but we were always promised that the next trip wouldn’t be so grueling.
I was also constantly angry at the company for exploiting me. The amount of erratic and long hours we slaved was not what we had signed up for.
Nurture And Nourish Yourself With Nature
In our busy world we tend to take nature for granted. Consider for just a moment all the things flowers, plants and trees really do for humanity. They sustain life all around the world. Plants produce food and oxygen for many of the largest animals around the world, as well as for humans. Plants are also used for healing.
Unfortunately, modern humanity demands that things grow faster and produce better crops, leading us to alter plants in such a way that they might no longer be as healthy as they once were.
Just by watching the trees, one can predict the weather. We sometimes have an abundance of acorns from the oak trees here in Maine. It is said to be a sign of a snowy winter. Most acorns mature in late summer and begin falling from the trees in September or October. It’s a great time for the squirrels to collect them, and become fat and round before the winter.
In Maine the winter tends to be very long and it’s easy to become a somewhat down and sad. So, my friend and I decided earlier this year to take a ride on such a gray day to the local greenhouse that is open all winter. Plants, flowers, trees and beautiful landscapes can change one’s state of mind and put a smile on your face!
Aligning With Your Circadian Rhythm
The circadian rhythm is 24-hour ‘internal clock’ that governs physical, mental, and behavioral changes in humans, animals, plants and even micro-organisms. I have known for many years that the circadian rhythm was an important aspect of our well-being and that it had to do with our mood and sleep cycles, but recently I discovered some new information that caused me to sit up and take notice.
A renewed interest in the biological process of circadian rhythms appears to to be trending these days, and reportedly it has a much more profound impact on our bodies and our health than merely affecting our sleep patterns. Much of this may be due to the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine being awarded jointly to Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young for their work on the molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm. Their research into what controls circadian rhythms is enlightening.
Their research discovered a gene that controls the normal daily biological rhythms. This gene encodes a protein that accumulates in the cells at night and then degrades during the day. The cells inside our bodies therefore contain a self-sustaining clock that regulates functions such as behavior, hormone levels, sleep body temperature and metabolism. Thanks in part to their discoveries, scientists and doctors now know these day-and-night cycles keep creatures alive by regulating our alertness, sleep patterns, blood pressure, hormones, body temperature, and when we eat.
Favorite Incense And Essential Oils
Incense and essential oils are a powerful, inexpensive way to fill our senses and surroundings with optimum health, joy and prosperity. With the right fragrance, we can transform our thoughts, release stress and cultivate inner peace. Utilizing the calming vibes of incense and essential oils is a wonderful way to uplift our hearts and reconnect with our souls, as they help to maintain our sense of balance.
The following is a brief guide to my favorite empowering aromas, their properties, and their ability to transform your world.
Amber
Use amber to promote beauty, protection, youth, vibrancy and to promote spiritual awakening. Amber is also a powerful conductor when researching past life memories or working through old issues to clear them so one can move forward.
The Moon Cycles And How They Affect You
Every month, the Moon waxes and wanes creating different changes and cycles in the world, as well as in our personal lives.
Many people are familiar with the monthly full moon as a time of elevated emotions, but there are other phases to be mindful of, since they also affect our energy levels and feelings.
During a full moon, for example, you may realize that you have an abundance, or lack of energy.
The new moon occurs when it is invisible to the human eye. It is a wonderful time for new beginnings in relationships, business, making positive changes and setting goals. The new moon would be when you add something new, or remove the existing problem to strengthen yourself.
The waxing moon is the cycle when it begins to grow in size. Learning, creative projects, healing and transformation are all powerful themes during this time. Continue reading
Use Color Therapy To Heal Your Chakras
Using color therapy to heal or unblock the chakras is a very effective way to restore balance to your entire being.
The chakras can influence your physical health, the functioning of your reproductive system, energy levels, and emotional balance. It can also affect speaking your truth, clear thinking, spiritual well-being and intuitive awareness. It is therefore important to keep your chakras in good balance and operating at their full potential.
Because each chakra rules a different area of the mind, heart and body, it is easy to spot when one of them is out of balance. For example, if you constantly have health or immune system issues, you may have an imbalance in your root chakra. Or, if you find yourself having trouble speaking up or saying how you really feel, your throat chakra might need some color therapy.
The seven chakra energy centers each resonate with one of the seven colors found in a rainbow or prism. Each chakra is located in a specific area of the body, and influence our energy flow as follows:
Root Chakra
Located at the bottom of your spine it resonates with the color red. Its physical health aspects include the lower body (legs, feet), the groin, male and female genital areas, and the root or base of the spine.
Creation Chakra
Located in your pelvic region it resonates with the color orange. It affects creative aspects and the physical health of the pelvic area, the reproductive glands, hips and lower back. Continue reading
Spring Forward Energy Shift
Many of us know the feeling of disorientation we get when Daylight Savings Time (DST) kicks back in… including perhaps the craving for an extra cup of coffee! But did you know that our physical and spiritual energies are undergoing a dramatic shift at this time also?
The vernal equinox at the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere exposes us to more sunlight, after the short days of winter. The body and mind now send signals for new growth. More cellular activity takes place in spring than any other season. Literally, we are become new versions of ourselves at this time, as our cells are replaced.
It’s the perfect time to begin new routines or rid ourselves of practices which are no longer beneficial. Cleaning out closets and attics in our homes can be likened to conducting a spiritual ‘spring cleaning.’
On the equinox, the hours of light and darkness are evenly balanced. This only happens twice a year. It’s a reminder from the Universe that both sides need to be in harmony, and neither can exist without the other. Our personal energies are more balanced than ever at this time, which makes it a perfect time for meditation, deep psychic exploration, and shamanic journeys. Continue reading